Milton Avery Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Milton Avery Art Value Price Guide

Dec. 01, 2024
MILTON AVERY WHITNEY MUSEUM EXHIBITION POSTER
Est: $200 - $400
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) Whitney Museum of Arts 1982 Exhibition Poster depicting original painting "Conversation" / set under glass in modern metal frame / Visible Art Size: 34"H x 40"W
Dargate Auction Galleries
Nov. 24, 2024
MILTON AVERY [AMERICAN] 1885-1965 [ATTRIBUTED] "THE WHITE SHEEP" 1960 OIL ON BOARD, SIGNED & DATED LOWER RIGHT, 50X35CMS,FRAMED. CONDITION FINE, SLIGHTLY DIRTY.
Est: -
MILTON AVERY [American] 1885-1965 [attributed] "The White Sheep" 1960 oil on board, signed & dated lower right, 50x35cms,framed. Condition fine, slightly dirty. Please read the Terms & Conditions of Auction before placing a bid. These T&C's are applicable to each lot in this Auction. Any available provenance or documentation will be included with the description, if not included, assume it to be unknown or missing. Most lots are either ex estate or storage, have not been submitted for authentication, verification or expertising and for this reason, are offered UNRESERVED. It is the responsibility of intending buyers to do their own research and due diligence before submitting an offer. We do not offer returns or refunds - ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
WA Art Auctions
Nov. 23, 2024
Attributed to Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) Seascape with Crashing Waves, Signed Milton Avery and dated 1945 lower left, Watercolor on paper, Sheet-22" x 30", Framed-30 1/2" x 37 3/4", Note: There is no certifica...
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
Attributed to Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) Seascape with Crashing Waves, Signed Milton Avery and dated 1945 lower left, Watercolor on paper, Sheet-22" x 30", Framed-30 1/2" x 37 3/4", Note: There is no certificate with this work. Milton Avery's fascination with waves and surf is evident in the many paintings he made of his trips to the New England coastline. The painting captures the moment the wave hits it's apex before rolling back to the sea. This painting was acquired from a historic Coral Gable's home with many fine artworks. It looks untouched and in original condition. The paper has some toning, but the colors are good and vivid. This painting has never been offered for sale. For a comparison see Whitney Museum of American Art Collection, Lone Rock and Surf, 1945. This painting can be submitted to the Milton Avery Foundation for evaluation.
Auction Gallery of the Palm Beaches
Nov. 22, 2024
MILTON CLARK AVERY (New York/Connecticut, 1885-1965), White dove., Oil on canvas, 7.5" x 9.5". Framed 15.5" x 17.5".
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
MILTON CLARK AVERY New York/Connecticut, 1885-1965 White dove. Signed lower left "Milton Avery".
Eldred's
Nov. 20, 2024
Milton Clark Avery
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
American, 1885-1965 Untitled (Two Backs), 1945 Signed Milton Avery and dated 1945 (lr) Watercolor, gouache, and charcoal on paper 22 5/8 x 30 7/8 inches Provenance: Contemporary Paintings, Hotel Traymore, Atlantic City, NJ This lot is accompanied by a letter of opinion from The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation. (Framed 29 3/4 x 37 3/4 inches) Hinged at top edge with tape remnants at left and right edges. Some light staining along extreme edges.
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Nov. 19, 2024
Milton Avery (1885-1965) Facing the Wind 9 x 23 3/4 in. (22.9 x 60.3 cm.) (Executed in 1959.)
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
Milton Avery (1885-1965) Facing the Wind signed and dated 'Milton Avery 1959' (lower left) watercolor, charcoal and oil crayon on paper 9 x 23 3/4 in. (22.9 x 60.3 cm.) Executed in 1959.
Bonhams
Nov. 19, 2024
Mexican Woman with Chicken (Chicken Vendor)
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
Property from a Distinguished New York Collection Milton Avery 1885 - 1965 Mexican Woman with Chicken (Chicken Vendor) signed Milton Avery and dated 1953 (lower right) oil and pencil on board 12 by 8 ¼ in. 30.5 by 21 cm. Executed in 1953. This lot is accompanied by a letter of opinion from the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation.
Sotheby's
Nov. 19, 2024
MILTON AVERY (1885-1965) - Sailboat
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
MILTON AVERY (1885-1965) Sailboat Image: 7 ½ x 11 7⁄8 in. (191 x 302 mm.) Sheet: 12 ¼ x 17 ½ in. (311 x 445 mm.)
Christie's
Nov. 19, 2024
MILTON AVERY (1885-1965) - Umbrella by the Sea, from Laurels Portfolio
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
MILTON AVERY (1885-1965) Umbrella by the Sea, from Laurels Portfolio Image: 4 ¾ x 7 ¼ in. (120 x 184 mm.) Sheet: 16 x 12 7⁄8 in. (406 x 327 mm.)
Christie's
Nov. 17, 2024
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) Woodblock Print
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) Woodblock Print. Depicting a reclining nude, pencil signed and dated for 1960 at the lower left. Dimensions: sight is 4 1/4in x 11 1/2in, the frame 11in x 17in. Provenance: From a Bucks County collection.
Locati LLC
Nov. 14, 2024
Milton Avery, Untitled (Mother and Child)
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
Milton Avery Untitled (Mother and Child) c. 1932-33 watercolor and gouache on black paper 24.5 h x 18.5 w in (62 x 47 cm) Signed to lower right 'Milton Avery'. Sold with a digital copy of the certificate of authenticity from The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, Inc. Provenance: Private Collection, New York | Thence by descent, Private Collection, New York | Thence by descent to the present owner This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Nov. 12, 2024
Milton Avery - The Red Fisherman, 1950 - 1968 Offset Lithograph 27.75" x 34"
Est: $120 - $150
"The Red Fisherman, 1950" by Milton Avery, 1968 Unsigned Offset Lithograph. Paper size is 27.75 x 34 inches, with an image size of 24 x 32.25 inches. The Offset Lithograph is from an unknown edition size. and is not framed. The condition was rated C: Several Signs of use and handling, some visible marks. Additional details: This 1968 reproduction by the Lannan Foundation features The Red Fisherman, originally painted by Milton Avery in 1950. Set against a calm blue ocean, a relaxed fisherman, dressed in vivid red pants and a black cap, casts his line from a comfortable beach chair. A recent catch rests beside him, with seagulls gliding in the sky above. Avery’s simplified forms and bold colors lend a sense of warmth and tranquility to this idyllic coastal scene. Please note: there are visible signs of yellowing from sun exposure, adding a vintage character to the piece. Prospective buyers are encouraged to request additional photographs to assess condition prior to purchase.
DUMBO Auctions
Nov. 05, 2024
Milton Avery - Reclining Blonde - 1989 Offset Lithograph 29.25" x 48"
Est: $300 - $450
"Reclining Blonde" by Milton Avery, 1989 Unsigned Offset Lithograph. Paper size is 29.25 x 48 inches, with an image size of 47 x 48 inches. The Offset Lithograph is from an unknown edition size. and is not framed. The condition was rated A-: Near Mint, very light signs of handling. Additional details: Original exhibition poster for Williams College Museum of Art printed on a heavy weight matte uncoated paper. Published and distributed by Devon Editions. The Print represents a reclining nude with blonde hair done in mute blacks, matte soft greys and off white colors, and is printed on a heavy wove paper stock.
DUMBO Auctions
Nov. 02, 2024
MILTON AVERY, (American, 1885-1965), Three Birds (L. 43), woodcut in blue and black, plate: 9 1/2 x 24 7/8 in., sight: 10 3/4 x 26 1/4 in., frame: 18 1/2 x 33 3/4 in.
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
MILTON AVERY (American, 1885-1965) Three Birds (L. 43) woodcut in blue and black signed and dated Milton Avery 1952 lower right; inscribed artist's proof lower left
Grogan & Company
Oct. 31, 2024
Milton Avery (1885-1965)
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
NUDE WITH LONG TORSO (RECLINING NUDE) (LUNN 29) Drypoint, 1948, on wove paper, signed in pencil, from Laurels Portfolio, from the edition of 100, published by Laurel Gallery, New York, with full margins, framed. Plate 5 15/16 x 14 15/16 inches; 151 x 379 mm. Sheet 11 5/8 x 16 3/8 inches; 295 x 416 mm. Frame 14 1/2 x 23 1/4 inches; 368 x 591 mm.
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Oct. 23, 2024
Milton Avery (American 1885-1965), "Two Nudes Standing", 1954, ink and crayon on paper
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Milton Avery American, 1885-1965 "Two Nudes Standing", 1954 ink and crayon on paper signed lower right, titled and dated on verso. Hinge-mounted, matted and framed under glass. Provenance: Property of a prominent Manhattan AD100 interior designer. Catalog note: Framer's label adhered to interior frame indicates it was made for Grace Borgenicht Gallery.
South Bay Auctions Inc
Oct. 23, 2024
Milton Avery (American 1885-1965), "March Drawing", pen and ink on paper
Est: $800 - $1,200
Milton Avery American, 1885-1965 "March Drawing" pen and ink on paper signed in pencil lower right, titled on verso in pencil and on Grace Borgenicht Gallery label adhered to frame verso. Hinged, matted, and framed under acrylic. Provenance: Property of a prominent Manhattan AD100 interior designer.
South Bay Auctions Inc
Oct. 19, 2024
Milton Avery Three Graces, c. 1950
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) Three Graces, c. 1950 Ink and graphite on paper Signed in pen Milton Avery, lower right
Larsen Art Auction
Oct. 17, 2024
MILTON AVERY Birds and Sea.
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
MILTON AVERY Birds and Sea. Woodcut printed in blue on Japan paper, 1955. 248x609 mm; 9¾x24 inches, full margins. Second state (of 3), printed in blue. Signed, dated and numbered 3/20 in ink, lower left, and dated in pencil, lower right. Lunn 60.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 17, 2024
MILTON AVERY Beach Birds.
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
MILTON AVERY Beach Birds. Woodcut on Japan paper, 1954. 195x311 mm; 7¾x12¼ inches, full margins. Signed and numbered 10/25 in pencil, lower margin. Lunn 55.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 17, 2024
MILTON AVERY Lamb.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
MILTON AVERY Lamb. Color woodcut printed in yellow and black on Japan paper, 1954. 248x356 mm; 9¾x14 inches, full margins. Signed, dated and numbered 1/20 in pencil, lower margin. Lunn 58.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 13, 2024
Milton Avery (Am. 1885-1965), General MacArthur on the Rocks, 1944, Gouache on paper, framed under glass
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
Milton Avery (Am. 1885-1965) General MacArthur on the Rocks, 1944 Gouache on paper, framed under glass Signed and dated l.r., Whitney Museum of American Art label, Grace Borgenicht Gallery label and Christie's tags on backing verso 22" x 30" actual, 28 7/8" x 36 7/8" framed
Barridoff Auctions
Oct. 08, 2024
MILTON AVERY, AMERICAN 1885-1965, CHILD CUTTING, 1936, Drypoint, Sheet: 13 x 14 7/8 in. (33 x 37.8 cm.); Plate: 5 x 6 3/4 in. (12.7 x 17.1 cm.), Frame: 16 1/2 x 18 1/2 in. (41.9 x 47 cm.)
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
MILTON AVERY AMERICAN, 1885-1965 CHILD CUTTING, 1936 Drypoint Lower left numbered in pencil: 84/100; lower right signed and dated: Milton Avery 1936; lower left signed in plate: Milton Avery
Potomack Company
Oct. 01, 2024
Girl with Rosy Cheeks
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
Milton Avery 1885 - 1965 Girl with Rosy Cheeks signed Milton Avery and dated 1964 (lower left); indistinctly dated 1964 (lower left); inscribed by Milton Avery, titled and dated (on the reverse) oil and pencil on canvasboard 12 by 9 in. 30.5 by 22.8 cm. Executed in 1964. This lot is accompanied by a letter of opinion from the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation.
Sotheby's
Oct. 01, 2024
Eggs and Grapes
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
Milton Avery 1885 - 1965 Eggs and Grapes signed Milton Avery (lower right) oil on canvas laid down on board 11 ¾ by 18 in. 29.8 by 45.7 cm. Executed circa 1934. This lot is accompanied by a letter of opinion from the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation.
Sotheby's
Sep. 21, 2024
MILTON AVERY (1885-1965) PENCIL SIGNED ARTIST'S PROOF
Est: $600 - $900
Milton Clark Avery (1885-1965) Sleeping Baby 1933 The etching signed in the plate and again in pencil by the artist lower right is also dated 1933. The inscription a/p in pencil lower left designates this as an Artist's Proof, a select print aside from the primary edition of 100 impressions. Image measures 5.5 x 7.5, sheet is 13 x 14.75, and frame is 15.25 x 16.5 inches. Without proof of exemption, be aware that internet sales tax applies to all Internet transactions and local sales tax may apply to local pick-up transactions. We happily provide seamless in-house packing and shipping services on nearly everything we sell. Until further notice, we cannot offer international shipping in-house.
Dirk Soulis Auctions
Aug. 25, 2024
Milton Avery (1885-1965) American, Pastel 'Beach Loungers'
Est: $20,000 - $40,000
Milton Clark Avery (American, 1885-1965) pastel on paper, 'Beach Loungers'. Depicting two women lounging on a golden beach, beach umbrellas in the background at the edge of the ocean. Framed. Signed lower left. Titled and attributed on reverse. Written on reverse signed and dated as authenticated by his daughter coexecutor of the Milton Avery Estate: "This pastel was done by my father in the late 30s - March Avery Cavanaugh 10/2/69". Includes original documentation. There is an appraisal from Reese Palley / Atlantic City for $9,000 and dated on the back of the document Feb 13, 1976. There is also a certificate from October 29, 1969 saying that ‘Beach Loungers’ pastel is an original work by Milton Avery, signed by Sally M. Avery. Gallery label verso identifies Gallery Reese Palley in Atlantic City New Jersey. Original price was asking $2,200 with original title 'Beach Loungers'. This work was exhibited in the late 60's and early 70's at Gallery Reese Palley. Gallery Reese Palley handled the living estate of Milton Avery. This particular painting also has additional corroboration on the back. A similar composition in oil recently sold at auction for 1.3 million. Provenance, by descent from Milton Avery exhibited Gallery Reece Palley sold to the relative of the current owner. Overall Size: 25 1/2 x 20 in. Sight Size: 16 1/2 x 10 3/4 in. #5601 Artist Biography: Milton Avery (1885–1965) was an influential American modernist painter known for his vibrant use of color and simplified forms. Born in Altmar, New York, Avery moved to Hartford, Connecticut, in 1898 and began his art studies at the Connecticut League of Art Students. He later settled in New York City, where he became a central figure in the American art scene. Avery's work, characterized by a blend of abstraction and representation, often depicted serene landscapes, domestic scenes, and portraits, rendered in flat, bold colors. His unique style influenced subsequent generations of artists, including Mark Rothko and Adolph Gottlieb. Despite initial struggles for recognition, Avery's work eventually gained acclaim, and he is now celebrated for his significant contributions to American modern art.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Aug. 24, 2024
MILTON CLARK AVERY (1885-1965) AMERICAN
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
Rare original Limited Edition Woodcut "Birds & Sea". Circa 1965. Limited Edition 8/25. Image 9 3/4" X 24", Overall framed 20" x 33 1/2".
Chamberlain Auction Gallery
Aug. 22, 2024
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) Child Cutting, 1936
Est: $400 - $600
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) Child Cutting, 1936 etching on paper pencil signed and dated, and numbered 77/100, with margins image: 5 1/4 x 7 in. (13.3 x 17.8cm) sheet: 11 3/4 x 13 1/2 in. (29.8 x 34.3cm)
Freeman’s | Hindman
Jul. 24, 2024
Milton Avery, March with Babushka (Head of March)
Est: $800 - $1,200
Milton Avery March with Babushka (Head of March) 1948 etching image: 9.625 h x 9.5 w in (24 x 24 cm) sheet: 14.875 h x 13.125 w in (38 x 33 cm) Signed and dated to lower right 'Milton Avery 1948'. This work is from the edition of 100. Provenance: Private Collection | Thence by descent Literature: Lunn 27 This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Jul. 24, 2024
Milton Avery, Beach Birds
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
Milton Avery Beach Birds 1954 woodcut image: 7.5 h x 12 w in (19 x 30 cm) sight: 9 h x 13 w in (23 x 33 cm) Signed, dated and numbered to lower margin '14/25 Milton Avery 1954'. This work is number 14 from the edition of 25. Provenance: Donald Morris Gallery, Detroit | Private Collection | Thence by descent Literature: Lunn 55 This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Jul. 18, 2024
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965)
Est: $400 - $600
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965), "Nursing Baby", 1933, drypoint etching, signed in plate, estate stamp, pencil-dated and numbered "31/100" lower margin, sight 4 1/4 in. x 4 in., framed, overall 16 1/4 in. x 14 1/4 in. x 1 1/8 in. Provenance: Neal Auction, Dec. 4, 2016, lot 857.
Neal Auction Company
Jul. 17, 2024
Towering Trees
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
Milton Avery 1885 - 1965 Towering Trees signed Milton Avery and dated 1953 (lower left) watercolor on paper 30 ⅜ by 22 ⅛ in. 77.2 by 56.2 cm. Executed in 1953.
Sotheby's
Jul. 17, 2024
Mountain Meadow
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
Milton Avery 1885 - 1965 Mountain Meadow signed Milton Avery and dated 1954 (lower right); signed Milton Avery, titled, and dated 1954 (on the reverse) watercolor on paper 22 by 30 in. 55.9 by 76.2 cm. Executed in 1954.
Sotheby's
Jul. 17, 2024
Little Brown Owl
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
Property from the Estate of Philip and Lois Macht, Baltimore Milton Avery 1885 - 1965 Little Brown Owl signed Milton Avery and dated 1963 (lower right); signed Milton (upper right); signed by Milton Avery, titled, dated 1964, and inscribed (on the reverse) oil on canvasboard 12 by 8 ⅞ in. 30.5 by 22.5 cm. Executed in 1963.
Sotheby's
Jul. 17, 2024
Artist by the Sea
Est: $100,000 - $150,000
Milton Avery 1885 - 1965 Artist by the Sea signed Milton Avery and dated 1944 (lower right); inscribed by Milton Avery and titled (on the reverse) watercolor, gouache, and pencil on paper 22 ⅛ by 30 ⅞ in. 56.2 by 78.4 cm. Executed in 1944.
Sotheby's
Jul. 17, 2024
MILTON AVERY (1885-1965). Cows on Hillside. watercolor and ink on paper 22
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
MILTON AVERY (1885-1965). Cows on Hillside. watercolor and ink on paper 22 3⁄8 x 30 ¾ in. (56.8 x 78.1 cm.).
Christie's
Jun. 19, 2024
Milton Avery, Provincetown Sunset; Untitled (three works)
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
Milton Avery Provincetown Sunset; Untitled (three works) c. 1964 glazed stoneware 1.125 d x 10.625 dia in (3 x 27 cm) Printed signature to lower right of each work 'Milton Avery'. Printed manufacturer's mark to underside of each work 'Milton Avery Limited Edition/30'. These works are from the intended editions of 30 produced by Delano Studios, Setauket, NY and published by Art in America magazine. This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Jun. 08, 2024
MILTON AVERY UNTITLED PAINTING IN THE MANNER OF
Est: $200 - $10,000
180157 MILTON AVERY UNTITLED PAINTING IN THE MANNER OF Untitled painting in the manner of Milton Avery. Milton Clark Avery was an American modern painter. Born in Altmar, New York, he moved to Connecticut in 1898 and later to New York City. He was the husband of artistSally Michel Avery and the father of artist March Avery. Size: 30.625" X 26.625" X 2.25" Condition: Very fine.
Florida Estate Sales Inc.
Jun. 08, 2024
MILTON AVERY (American 1885-1965) A PAINTING, "Lady with a Mandolin," CIRCA 1932
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
MILTON AVERY (American 1885-1965) A PAINTING, "Lady with a Mandolin," CIRCA 1932, gouache on paper, signed L/R, "Milton Avery," reverse inscribed in pencil, "'Girl with Mandolin' / by / Milton Avery / 18 x 12 / Gouache;" 17 1/2" x 12 1/4", framed 24 1/2" x 20 1/4".
Simpson Galleries, LLC
Jun. 07, 2024
MILTON AVERY (1885-1965) PENCIL SIGNED ARTIST'S PROOF
Est: $600 - $900
Milton Clark Avery (1885-1965) Sleeping Baby 1933 The etching signed in the plate and again in pencil by the artist lower right is also dated 1933. The inscription a/p in pencil lower left designates this as an Artist's Proof, a select print aside from the primary edition of 100 impressions. Image measures 5.5 x 7.5, sheet is 13 x 14.75, and frame is 15.25 x 16.5 inches. Without proof of exemption, be aware that internet sales tax applies to all Internet transactions and local sales tax may apply to local pick-up transactions. We happily provide seamless in-house packing and shipping services on nearly everything we sell. Until further notice, we cannot offer international shipping in-house.
Dirk Soulis Auctions
Jun. 06, 2024
Milton Avery (1885-1965): Artistâs Wife
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Blue ink on paper, 1956, signed 'Milton Avery' lower left, signed and titled on the reverse, with label from Berry- Hill Galleries, NY. 17 x 13 3/4 in. (sheet), 25 1/2 x 22 in. (frame).
STAIR
Jun. 04, 2024
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) - Wine Glass with Bloom
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) - Wine Glass with Bloom Signed ‘Milton Avery’ bottom right, flobrush on paper Sheet size: 11 x 8 1/2 inches. (27.9 x 21.6cm) Executed in 1950. Provenance Waddington and Gorge Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada. H.G. Foster Harmon Galleries of American Art, Sarasota, Florida. Acquired directly from the above on December 14, 1991. Property from the Collection of Dr. Julian Katz and Dr. Sheila Moriber Katz, Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. Lot Essay Please note that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the present lot will go to the Julian and Sheila Katz Scholarship Fund at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine. To learn more about Dr. Julian Katz and Dr. Sheila Moriber Katz, please visit our website. For other works from the Katz Collection, see lots 69 - 90.
Freeman's | Hindman
Jun. 02, 2024
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) - White Vase
Est: $50,000 - $80,000
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) - White Vase Signed and dated ‘Milton Avery 1957’ bottom right; also titled, signed, and dated verso, oil on canvas laid down to board 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6cm) Provenance Dolan/Maxwell, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Property from the Collection of Dr. Julian Katz and Sheila Moriber Katz, Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. Lot Essay Please note that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the present lot will go to the Julian and Sheila Katz Scholarship Fund at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine. Milton Avery's still life paintings of the 1950s mark something of a turning point in his output. While he had always championed vibrant colors and simplified forms, a renewed focus emerged after a major heart attack in 1949. For Avery, according to his wife, Sally, “life became much more important because he had almost lost it. He began to look for different things. I think the very simple things he did were the result of having experienced such a dramatic event in his life. It scared him. It quickened the direction of his work–his colors became more sparse, his forms were more simplified.” Paintings like White Vase exemplify this shift, with even greater emphasis accorded to flat planes and a refined palette. Avery's utilization of color became even more central; here, broad juxtapositions of white, black, and red are prioritized over intricate details, heralding, arguably, the Color Field movement that would take root in the following decade.
Freeman's | Hindman
Jun. 02, 2024
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) - Oxcart
Est: $150,000 - $250,000
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) - Oxcart Signed ‘Milton Avery’ bottom right, oil on canvas 27 ½ x 35 1/8 in. (69.9 x 89.2cm) Unframed. Provenance The Artist's Studio. Acquired directly from the above in May 1940. Valentine Gallery, New York, New York. Collection of Jack and Ann Warner. Thence by descent to the current owner. Lot Essay This lot is accompanied by a letter from The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, New York. The paintings that Milton Avery produced in the Gaspé Bay are rare. Oxcart is no exception, as it appears on the market for the very first time, having sold directly from the artist’s studio in May 1940 to The Valentine Gallery in New York. The Gaspé landscapes are important as they represent a critical moment in the artist’s career, when Avery began to use color as his primary means of expression. Its structural function is reflected in the restricted, darker palette in the foreground, in which Avery channels the art of Pablo Picasso and George Braque to set the emotional tone of the scene–a difficult act of labor under the beating summer sun. In contrast, the sky and sea are set in striking blue and green tones, which elevate the overall composition and give it a sense of reverie and quietude. Following in the Cubists’ footsteps, Avery reinterprets a traditional pastoral scene as a two-dimensional arrangement of forms, tones, and textures–all simplified. The slightly skewed perspective reinforces the flatness of the pictorial space, allowing Avery to achieve his signature synthesis between realism and abstraction, making Oxcart a quintessential piece of his 1940s production. Above all, the work reflects Avery’s attachment to the landscape, specifically the New England seaside along Gloucester, a place he first visited in 1920 and often returned to between then and 1945 with his wife Sally. The sea held a profound meaning for Avery throughout his life. "We were followers of the sea,” Sally Avery reminisced. “On the beaches of Provincetown, Gloucester and Gaspe we braved the surf and rocky shore, spending endless hours contemplating the sea... Always the sea beckoned, at times with figures, at times with boats. But it was the sea, alternately black and mysterious or ruddy and gay that expressed the mystery and independence that makes its lure unfathomable. For Milton this was a subject to challenge again and again.” Here, the emerald-green sea occupies much of the composition. It enlivens it and acts as a literal pool of reflection and contemplation; it hints at a metaphorical space beyond, which contrasts with the prosaic scene in the foreground.
Freeman's | Hindman
Jun. 02, 2024
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) - Draped Nude
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) - Draped Nude Signed ‘Milton/Avery’ bottom right; also pencil titled, signed and dated ‘1931’ verso, oil on canvas laid down to board 15 ¾ x 11 ¾ in. (40 x 29.8cm) Provenance Dolan/Maxwell Gallery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Property from the Collection of Dr. Julian Katz and Sheila Moriber Katz, Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. Lot Essay Please note that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the present lot will go to the Julian and Sheila Katz Scholarship Fund at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine.
Freeman's | Hindman
Jun. 02, 2024
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) - Birds, Buoys, and Rocks
Est: $30,000 - $50,000
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965) - Birds, Buoys, and Rocks Signed and dated ‘Milton Avery/1945’ bottom right; also titled, signed and dated verso, watercolor on paper Sheet size: 22 ½ x 30 13/16 in. (57.2 x 78.3cm) Provenance Makler Gallery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Private Estate, Pennsylvania.
Freeman's | Hindman
May. 22, 2024
Milton Avery, Big Hat
Est: $50,000 - $70,000
Milton Avery Big Hat 1962 oil and pencil on canvas board 24 h x 18 w in (61 x 46 cm) Signed and dated to lower left 'Milton Avery 1962'. Signed, titled and dated to verso 'Big Hat by Milton Avery 1962'. Sold with original invoice and related documentation. Provenance: Sally Avery | Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Halper, New York | Vanderwoude Tananbaum Gallery, New York | Acquired from the previous in 1989, Collection of Martin and Enid Packard This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center